About the Waikato district

About the Waikato district

Moo te takiwaa o Waikato

Home to over 90,000 people, the Waikato district is a geographically and culturally diverse strategic gem nestled in Aotearoa's beautiful North Island and mighty Waikato region, the fourth largest region in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We're based in the ‘Golden Triangle’, a zone formed by Auckland, the Bay of Plenty and the Waikato region, which generates the bulk of the nation’s economic activity. A multitude of communities flourish here, each with their own distinctive identity.

The Waikato district covers an area of more than 419,000 hectares, and the boundary stretches along the west coast from Aotea Harbour to Port Waikato and touches the eastern coastline at Miranda on the Hauraki Gulf.

Our expanse shelters extensive areas of native plants and bush.

The district is home to the mighty Waikato River, which is the longest river in New Zealand. The river flows through the district, running almost the entire length of it before reaching the coast at Port Waikato. It plays a central role in the area's natural landscape and holds significant cultural importance to the local Waikato iwi.

Key towns include Pookeno, Tuakau, Ngaaruawaahia, Te Kauwhata, Whaaingaroa / Raglan and Raahui Pookeka / Huntly. Smaller settlements include Gordonton, Matangi, Tamahere, Tauwhare, Horotiu, Meremere, Rangiriri, Te Paina / Mercer, Ohinewai, Taupiri, Te Kowhai, Whatawhata and Te Puuaha o Waikato / Port Waikato. 

Home of the Kiingitanga movement

Te uukaipoo o te Kiingitanga 

With a history dating back to the arrival of Maaori in Aotearoa and as the home of the Kiingitanga movement, the Waikato district has several important heritage and cultural sites.

Kiingitanga (Maaori King movement) was founded in 1858 to unite Maaori under a single sovereign. Tuurangawaewae Marae in Ngaaruwaahia is the principal marae of the movement. The primary hapuu for this marae is Ngaati Mahuta. Located on the banks of the Waikato River, this marae is a place for gatherings, cultural events, and important ceremonies.

This deep cultural heritage and identity not only attracts thousands of  visitors from across New Zealand every year but also provides local businesses with a unique opportunity to connect with the Maaori community.

Highly productive, fertile soils

 Onemata 

The Waikato district is renowned for its diverse landscapes and highly productive, fertile soils. Largely centred on the primary sector, the district's economy is built on dairying, sheep and beef farming, horticulture, forestry, and other agribusinesses.